Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is perhaps probably the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests countless issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in case 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 residence nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots 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 points of interest and actions for 2023.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible information that will help you plan an ideal journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and has the Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascades to the east, making for some postcard-worthy surroundings round each nook.
Sadly, it’s true that it rains very often right here. Don’t let it rain in your parade, although — there are tons of nice museums and different indoor actions to maintain you busy when it will get a bit moist. There are many issues to do in Seattle when it rains.
Seattle can also be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are a number 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 Greatest 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 prime picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the House Needle
Surely, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the House Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Honest, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The remark 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 comparable to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing 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 House Needle has all the time been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some critical renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground 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 town.
The House Needle is open day by day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34-37.50 for adults and $25-30 for youngsters. This is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you’ll be able to see the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Handle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Heart
The House Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you might simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime Seattle points of interest you’ll discover right here is the Worldwide Fountain. At completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an ideal present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Heart can also be residence to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and way more right here. This is likely 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 way more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely different museums. Don’t miss the superb 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 completely different points of interest right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to verify their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Handle: 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 could be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
Situated on the Seattle Heart, the museum is cut up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however be sure you see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s consistently 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 House Needle as properly.
Lastly, in case you favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method throughout town on a meals tour. My private suggestion is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Alongside the best way, you’ll study all in regards to 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 possibility 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 called the EMP (Expertise Music Mission), 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 displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You possibly can even channel your inside 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, way more.
I’ve been to loads 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.
Handle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: Some of the well-known Seattle points of interest!
The Pike Place Market is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the US.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off among the finest 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 simply’ll need to ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but additionally a number of purchasing 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 positive it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s way more than only a market, truly. It’s a neighborhood with plenty of wonderful initiatives, comparable to a senior middle, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some additional 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’ll be able to come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in case you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Handle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my checklist 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 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 implausible 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 an excellent higher have a look at the environment. Remember to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as properly.
Some 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 superb 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.
Handle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
When you have some additional 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 mountain 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 mountain climbing, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountain climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you’ll be able to commerce your mountain 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 study extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
If you happen to’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, take a look at this enjoyable tour! Take pleasure in a hike within the park, an natural picnic exterior, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Be taught 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 vital 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 option 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 ideal 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 completely 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 in case you select to go that route.
10. Stroll Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the vital 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 residing assortment of vegetation. It’s a first-rate 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 might 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 day by day from daybreak to nightfall and is likely one of the finest 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. Verify their web site for all the main points.
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 youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can too get pleasure from a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit of 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.
Handle: 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 completely different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the fundamental 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 completely different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you can too 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 straightforward 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 youths ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. If you happen to occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Handle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
If you happen to’re curious 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 photographs.
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 incessantly!).
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 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 incessantly. Click on right here to view an inventory of present displays and see what’s developing.
For these airplane fanatics, you can too go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on the Boing 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 ideal and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing unit 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.
The Museum of Flight is open day by 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 among the finest Seattle points of interest. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Handle: 9404 East Marginal Means S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In actual fact, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The workforce refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they principally act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a selected playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at Lumen Discipline. The stadium can also 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. If you happen to can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for an excellent time.
Throughout the summer season months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s an excellent likelihood they’ll be on the town in case you’re visiting between Might and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL workforce, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American workforce 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 residence to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way 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 case you 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 unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click on right here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is properly well worth the effort to achieve.
Handle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a 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 points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that had been constructed on prime 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 study extra in regards to the tour.
FAQs About 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 mountain 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 contains the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That method, 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 may very well be spent testing the principle points of interest (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and eventually, your final full day may very well be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals it’s 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, you must 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 achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods exterior 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 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, you can too reap the benefits of the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d slightly go go to a waterfall or soak in a sizzling spring. The choices for journey actually are countless!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. If you happen to’ve been there and have an ideal suggestion for what to do in Seattle, please depart a remark beneath.
*Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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