Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests limitless issues to see and do. That is one in all 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 journey, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in 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 dwelling 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 instances, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the high issues to do in Seattle together with a lot of sensible information 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 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 wonderful 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 listing 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 high picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the House Needle
Indubitably, 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 may see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders resembling 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 due to some severe renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on this 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 Space Needle is open each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely upon which bundle you e book. This is without doubt one of the finest 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.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Center. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you possibly can simply spend a complete 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 International 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 be dwelling to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and far more right here. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s far more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the superb Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s all the time free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You’ll want to examine their event calendar to see what’s happening.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is without doubt 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.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however you should definitely see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s consistently displaying quick 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 afterward the weekend.
Tickets price $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 properly.
Lastly, for those who desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make certain 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 advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be taught all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling the entire wonderful meals on provide.
One other stable possibility that I’ve gone on a number of instances is the Pike Place Market Walking Food tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that ought to be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often called the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Culture is without doubt one of the finest Seattle points of interest 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 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 displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You possibly can 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 displays on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, far more.
I’ve been to loads of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You’ll want to add it to your listing of cool issues to do in Seattle.
MoPOP is open Monday-Friday from 10 AM-6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM-6 PM. Tickets price round $35 for adults and $21 for kids.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityPass. Click here to get instructions.
Tackle: 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 without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing far more than simply checking off top-of-the-line Seattle points of interest. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as properly!
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 procuring baggage to take dwelling 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 food tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s far more than only a market, really. It’s a neighborhood with a lot of wonderful initiatives, resembling 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 just 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 for those who’re an early riser.
Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map here.
Tackle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the following spot on my listing of Seattle points of interest. 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 totally different platforms the place you may take pleasure in some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you may even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get a good higher have a look at the environment. You’ll want to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as properly.
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a trip on the Seattle Great Wheel. This large Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets price $16 for adults and $11 for teenagers. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.
Waterfront Park is a superb spot to unwind after a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click here to get instructions.
Tackle: 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 provide, together with climbing, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you may commerce your climbing 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 here.
In the event you’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the climbing optionally available, take a look at this popular tour on a minibus.
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 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 kids, 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 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 Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the stunning Seattle points of interest 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 first-rate instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a highly regarded 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 without doubt one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of totally different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their website for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s properly value 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 may also take pleasure in a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit of 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. You’ll want to add a cease right here to your listing 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 Art Museum, which really consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the fundamental museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s 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 principle museum, you may also pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated only a mile away (click here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial website, 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.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
In the event you’re serious about 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 pictures.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so it is a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly often!).
A significant spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a powerful assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Power One. You possibly can even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating displays to take a look at, which change often. Click here to view an inventory of present displays and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open each day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets price $25 for adults and $16 for kids. On the primary Thursday of each month, the museum stays open from 5-9 PM and it’s completely free to enter. Click here to purchase your tickets on-line for top-of-the-line Seattle points of interest. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you may also go to the Boeing Future of Flight at the Boeing 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 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 varied phases 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 unit and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their dwelling video games at Lumen Field. The stadium can 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 a great time.
Throughout the summer season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 dwelling 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 team, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable reality: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans 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 yr.
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 dwelling 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 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 for those who really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you may take pleasure in some unimaginable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click here for instructions. It’s positively one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is properly 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 listing of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is without doubt 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 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 keep in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and inexpensive at $29. This is without doubt one of 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 gorgeous nature close by, you should go away the town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a number of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an incredible half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as properly – making it an incredible journey from the town. Click here to learn more and e book your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher method 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 best way the locals do.
- Get pleasure from 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 through the journey. Click here for details.
FAQs About Visiting 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 climbing and epic views, testing the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to reside music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the House Needle. This ticket consists of the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That manner, you may 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 testing the principle points of interest (House 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 it is best 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, it’s a must to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in 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 number of the many fascinating 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 may also benefit from the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d relatively go visit a waterfall and taste some wine. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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Seattle truly sounds like a gem of a city! I love how it’s surrounded by nature yet still offers all the perks of a big city. The mix of mountains, water, and forests must make it feel like you’re in a postcard every day. I’ve always wondered, though, how do locals deal with the constant rain? Does it ever get overwhelming, or is it just part of the charm? The museums and indoor activities sound like a great backup plan, but I’d love to know if there’s a specific spot you’d recommend for a rainy day. Also, how’s the food scene in Seattle? I’ve heard it’s amazing, but I’d love to hear your take on it. What’s one thing you think every visitor absolutely *must* do in Seattle? I’m already planning my trip!
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.