Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests countless issues to see and do. That is one in every of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even for those who’re simply in Seattle for a weekend trip, 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 dwelling 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 among the many best places to visit in the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that will help you plan an excellent 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 few 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 take pleasure in all of the facilities of a giant metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Greatest 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 over time, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for the perfect Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
No doubt, 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 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see all the metropolis together with pure wonders akin 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 instances I visited throughout my time dwelling there.
Whereas the House Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some severe renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on the 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 town.
The Space Needle is open every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets depend upon which bundle you e-book. This is among the greatest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass. See the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Heart
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Center. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you could possibly simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high Seattle sights you’ll discover right here is the International Fountain. At completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an excellent present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Heart can also be dwelling to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather more right here. This is among the greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas exhibiting them round.
There’s rather more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely 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.
Along with all of the completely different sights right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to verify their event calendar to see what’s happening.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
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 all over the world.
Positioned on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however make sure you see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s always exhibiting 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 $35-$42.50 for adults and $30-$37.50 for teenagers. 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 effectively.
Lastly, for those who desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be certain 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your means throughout 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.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be taught all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the superb meals on supply.
One other strong 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 among the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must 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 Culture is among the greatest Seattle sights 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 known 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 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, rather more.
I’ve been to lots 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 youngsters.
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 crucial well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is among the greatest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the way in which again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off among the finest Seattle sights. 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 be sure 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 dwelling 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 food tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s rather more than only a market, truly. It’s a neighborhood with plenty of wonderful 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 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 for those who’re an early riser.
Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Road, 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 subsequent spot on my record of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to take a seat down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is dwelling to 2 completely different platforms the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 will help you get a fair higher have a look at the environment. Remember to try the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience 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 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 here to get instructions.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
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 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. In the course of the winter months, you’ll be able to 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 be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click here.
In the event you’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the climbing elective, try this popular tour on a minibus.
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 probably the most 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’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 youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant technique 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 excellent alternative for Seattle sightseeing.
They’ve seven completely 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, superb 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 Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably probably the most lovely 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 crops. It’s a chief instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a very fashionable 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 every day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition they have a number of completely different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their website for all the main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s effectively price 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 too can take pleasure in a conventional 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. 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 need to expertise the Seattle Art Museum, which truly consists of three completely different amenities: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the essential 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 completely different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you too can pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s positioned only a mile away (click 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 teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. In the event 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 the event you’re inquisitive about air and house, 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 images.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so this can be a good thing to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly incessantly!).
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 Drive One. You may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing displays to take a look at, which change incessantly. Click here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open every 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 here to purchase your tickets on-line for among the finest Seattle sights. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, you too can go to the Boeing Future of Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an excellent and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing facility with a neighborhood information and see planes at varied 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 here to e-book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing facility and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Folks 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 staff 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 dwelling video games at Lumen Field. The stadium can also be dwelling to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out dwelling video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. In the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for time.
In the course of the summer season months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s probability they’ll be on the town for those who’re visiting between Might 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 Heart.
Enjoyable reality: Means 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 received 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 biggest park in Seattle and is dwelling to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest wager is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by way 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’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 probably the most picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is effectively definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Deal with: 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 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 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 among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t need to miss. Click here to be taught extra in regards to the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however for the reason that location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should depart town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a couple of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an excellent half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as effectively – making it an excellent journey from town. Click here to learn more and e-book your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher technique 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 here to learn more and revel in Seattle the way in which the locals do.
- Take pleasure in 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 here for details.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your incessantly 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, testing 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 House Needle. This ticket contains 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 means, 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 might be spent testing the principle sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so on.), and at last, your final full day might 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, lots of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, it’s important to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
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 critical.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a few of the many attention-grabbing issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more happening within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you too can reap the benefits of the numerous 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 moderately go visit a waterfall and taste some wine. 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.
*Pictures on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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