Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply may be probably the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests infinite 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 journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most 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 lots of extra), and after dwelling in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few occasions, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly amongst my favorites.
This publish was up to date to incorporate new Seattle points of interest and actions for 2023.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the high issues to do in Seattle together with numerous sensible data that can assist you plan an important 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 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 help 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 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 occasions over time, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the Area Needle
Indisputably, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Truthful, 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 get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see the whole metropolis together with pure wonders corresponding to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Trying out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of occasions I visited throughout my time dwelling there.
Whereas the Area Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some severe renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable 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 each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34-37.50 for adults and $25-30 for youngsters. This is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you may see the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Examine Out the Seattle Heart
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you could possibly simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high 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 important present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Heart can 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 carry 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 Heart. 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 points of interest right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Live shows, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Make sure to verify their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Tackle: 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 beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
Situated on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however remember to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s always displaying brief 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 value $30-35 for adults and $19-21 for youngsters. 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, in the event you desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
One of the crucial 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 Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains 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 luxuriate in sampling all the superb meals on provide.
One other stable choice that I’ve gone on a number of occasions 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 needs to be in your record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known 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 need 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’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 lots of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Make sure 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 youngsters.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityPass. Click on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the crucial 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 america.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off the most effective 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 just’ll need to ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of buying 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 positive 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, truly. It’s a neighborhood with numerous wonderful initiatives, corresponding to a senior heart, 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 may come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in the event you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Tackle: 85 Pike Road, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent 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 luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 totally different platforms the place you may get pleasure from some implausible views.
On a transparent day, you may even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a good higher have a look at the environment. Make sure to try the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a trip on the Seattle Nice 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 value $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 superb spot to unwind after a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some further time in Seattle, think about 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 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 provide, together with mountaineering, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. In the course of 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.
In case you’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, try this enjoyable tour! Get pleasure from a hike within the park, an natural picnic outdoors, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Be taught 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 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 price range 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 youngsters, 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 important 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 Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly some 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 chief instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend just a few hours.
Spring is a very fashionable time to go to the park due to 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 each 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. Examine their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s effectively value it to pay the doorway payment for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can even get pleasure from a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s slightly 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. Make sure to add a cease right here to your record of locations to go to in Seattle.
Tackle: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three totally different services: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the essential 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 can even pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s positioned only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial website, 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 college students and youths ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and below. In case you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
In case you’re taken with 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 often!).
A serious 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 attention-grabbing reveals to take a look at, which change often. Click on right here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s arising.
For these airplane fanatics, you can even go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on the Boing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and the most effective factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an important and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing unit with a neighborhood information and see planes at varied 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 each day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets value $25 for adults and $16 for youngsters.
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 the most effective Seattle points of interest. You will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Tackle: 9404 East Marginal Approach 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.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a selected playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Subject. The stadium can 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. In case you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a very good time.
In the course of the summer season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s a very good likelihood they’ll be on the town in the event you’re visiting between Might and September.
Because the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL group, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Approach again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American group to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained began later that 12 months.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the most important 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 wager is to begin 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 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 may get pleasure from some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click on right here for instructions. It’s positively some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is effectively definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing 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 high after the Nice Hearth 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 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 inexpensive at $29. This is likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t need to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
FAQs About Seattle
Solutions to a few of your often 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 mountaineering and epic views, trying out the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to dwell 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 believe that 3-5 days is an efficient 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. Different days could possibly be spent trying out the primary points of interest (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), 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.
There are such a lot of meals it is best to attempt 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, it’s a must to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this publish for extra.
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in 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 make the most of the various superb day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you’ll find 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 infinite!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. In case you’ve been there and have an important advice for what to do in Seattle, please go away a remark beneath.
*Photos on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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