Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest presents guests countless issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even for those who’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in lots of the points of interest 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 house nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and plenty of extra), and after dwelling in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably amongst my favorites.
This submit was up to date to incorporate new Seattle points of interest and actions for 2023.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with a lot of sensible data that will help you plan an incredible 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.
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 few of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering assist for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders.
It truly is wonderful how one can take pleasure in all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my record 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 through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the perfect Seattle points of interest.
1. See the Area Needle
For sure, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area 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 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see your complete metropolis together with pure wonders akin 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 dwelling there.
Whereas the Area Needle has at all times been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some critical renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on the earth. 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 Area 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 possibly can see the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Examine Out the Seattle Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you can simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime Seattle points of interest you’ll discover right here is the Worldwide Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an incredible present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be house to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather more right here. This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d deliver guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s rather more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Middle. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s at all times free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to verify their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however make sure you see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continually displaying brief movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly 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 in a while the weekend.
Tickets value $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 Area Needle as effectively.
Lastly, for those who want to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your means throughout the town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll study all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the wonderful meals on supply.
One other stable choice that I’ve gone on a number of instances is the Pike Place Market Strolling Meals 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 record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Challenge), the Museum of Pop Tradition is likely one of the finest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish to take a while to admire the gorgeous 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’ll be able to even channel your interior 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, rather more.
I’ve been to a number of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Remember to add it to your record 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 value round $35 for adults and $21 for kids.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityPass. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the well-known Seattle points of interest!
The Pike Place Market is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the way in which again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the US.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off probably the greatest Seattle points of interest. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as effectively!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you simply’ll wish to ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of purchasing luggage to take house 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 rather more than only a market, really. It’s a group with a lot of glorious initiatives, akin 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 simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you possibly can come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast for those who’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the following spot on my record of Seattle points of interest. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to sit down down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 totally different platforms the place you possibly can take pleasure in some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get an excellent higher have a look at the environment. Remember to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a trip on the Seattle Nice 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 value $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 superb spot to unwind after an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
When you’ve got some further time in Seattle, take into account doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an lively stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park. That is my private favourite spot for 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 climbing, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you possibly can commerce your 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 study extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
If you happen to’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, take a look at this enjoyable tour! Take pleasure in a hike within the park, an natural picnic exterior, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Study extra right here.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle appears nice on land, it appears even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is definitely one 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 finances finish, you possibly can 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 incredible 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 take pleasure in a totally narrated journey, wonderful views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier.
A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass for those who select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the lovely Seattle points of interest 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 dwelling assortment of vegetation. It’s a primary instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a number 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 timber, 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 courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Examine their web site for all the main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s effectively price it to pay the doorway charge 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 too can take pleasure in a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s somewhat slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click on right here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Backyard is within the southwest nook of the park. Remember to add a cease right here to your record 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 Artwork Museum, which really consists of three totally different services: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the important museum, you’ll discover a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its intensive collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artistic endeavors on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the primary museum, you too can 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. As soon as an industrial web site, 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 students and youths ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and below. If you happen to occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Deal with: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
If you happen to’re taken with 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 images.
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 significant spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a formidable assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Pressure One. You’ll be able to even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change continuously. Click on right here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s developing.
For these airplane fanatics, you too can go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on the Boing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and probably the greatest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an incredible and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing facility 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 value $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 on right here to purchase your tickets on-line for probably the greatest Seattle points of interest. You will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Deal with: 9404 East Marginal Method S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff 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 sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Discipline. The stadium can also be house to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out house video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. If you happen to can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a great time.
Throughout the summer season months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s a great likelihood they’ll be on the town for those who’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL staff, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it acquired began later that 12 months.
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 house to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails for those who really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can take pleasure in some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click on right here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is effectively well worth the effort to achieve.
Deal with: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is likely one of the hottest Seattle points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on prime after the Nice Fireplace of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Nineties. I can nonetheless bear 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 reasonably priced 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 on right here to study extra in regards to the tour.
FAQs About Seattle
Solutions to a few of your continuously 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 climbing and epic views, trying out 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 Area Needle. This ticket contains the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I feel that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That means, you possibly can 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 could possibly be spent trying out the primary points of interest (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so on.), and eventually, your final full day could possibly be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals you need to strive in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you need to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle type!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this submit for extra.
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods exterior of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is critical.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a few of the many fascinating 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 too can make the most of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, you will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d moderately go go to a waterfall or soak in a sizzling spring. The choices for journey actually are countless!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the perfect the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. If you happen to’ve been there and have an incredible advice for what to do in Seattle, please go away a remark under.
*Pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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