Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply may be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests limitless issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even if you happen to’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from lots of the sights in nature or within the metropolis. There’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
I’ve been to cities throughout my residence nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and plenty of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly 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 few of the high issues to do in Seattle together with a lot of sensible information that can assist you plan an awesome 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 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 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 high picks for the perfect Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Unquestionably, essentially 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’ll be able to see your entire metropolis together with pure wonders similar to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Trying out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t let you know what number of instances I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the Area Needle has at all times been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some critical renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on the planet. Additionally 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 greatest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you’ll be able to 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 Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Middle. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you might 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 Worldwide Fountain. At completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an awesome present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can 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 greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d deliver guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s far more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely 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 completely different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to examine 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 gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work could be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three completely 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 continually displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly need to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour in a while the weekend.
Tickets price $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, if you happen to desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure 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 enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your manner throughout the town on a meals tour. My private suggestion is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling all the wonderful meals on provide.
One other strong 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 checklist.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often known as the EMP (Expertise Music Mission), the Museum of Pop Tradition is likely one of the greatest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need 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 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 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, far more.
I’ve been to lots of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Remember to 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 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 well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the best way 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 top-of-the-line 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 simply’ll need to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but in addition 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 outlets. 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 group with a lot of wonderful initiatives, similar 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 if you happen to’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.
Tackle: 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 subsequent 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 luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 completely different platforms the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some improbable 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 an excellent higher take 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 journey 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 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 situated 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
When 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 mountaineering.
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’ll be able to commerce your mountaineering 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 on right here.
For those who’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, take a look at this enjoyable 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. Study extra right here.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems nice on land, it seems even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well 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 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 youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant method 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 awesome 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 get pleasure from 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 if you happen to select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the 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 residing assortment of vegetation. It’s a first-rate instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a extremely popular 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 bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open each day from daybreak to nightfall and is likely one of the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of completely different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Examine their web site for all the small print.
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 it’s also possible to get pleasure from a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit 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 checklist 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 really consists of three completely different amenities: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the primary museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its in depth 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, it’s also possible to pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. 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 kids and youths ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and underneath. For those who 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
For those who’re taken with air and house, you’ll need to embrace 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 it is a good thing to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly continuously!).
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’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 arising.
For these airplane fanatics, it’s also possible to go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on the Boing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and top-of-the-line factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an awesome 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 each day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets price $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 top-of-the-line Seattle sights. You will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Tackle: 9404 East Marginal Method S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
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 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 sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at Lumen Discipline. The stadium can 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. For those who 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-Cellular Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s probability they’ll be on the town if you happen to’re visiting between Could 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 Area within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable reality: Method 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 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 residence to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and far more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest wager is to start out 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 if you happen to really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way 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 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 sights and is effectively well 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 checklist of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating 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 high after the Nice Hearth 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning 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 mountaineering 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 consists of the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That manner, you’ll be able to spend a full day trip 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 trying out the principle sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), 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 you need to attempt in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, it’s a must to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), 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 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 an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, it’s also possible to reap the benefits of the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d somewhat go go to a waterfall or soak in a sizzling 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. For those who’ve been there and have an awesome suggestion for what to do in Seattle, please depart a remark beneath.
*Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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