Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the US. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests infinite issues to see and do. That is one among my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even when you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend trip, 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 residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly among the many best places to visit in the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce among the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that can assist you plan an important 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 among 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 an enormous 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 very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the House Needle
Unquestionably, 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 commentary deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders akin 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 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 latest multimillion greenback improve added the stylish 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 town.
The Space Needle is open day by day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely on which package deal you guide. This is likely 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.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Test Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Center. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you would simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high Seattle points of interest you’ll discover right here is the International Fountain. At completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an important present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle 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 likely one of the finest 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 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. 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 points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health lessons, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Be sure you test their event calendar to see what’s occurring.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Garden & 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 might be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is break up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however remember to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively wish 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 youths. 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, when you favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make certain to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the vital 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 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 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 likely one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that needs to be in your checklist.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Culture is likely one of the finest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish 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 a variety of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Be sure you 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 here to get instructions.
Deal with: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the vital 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 buying 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 effectively!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’ll wish to ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but additionally a number of buying baggage 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 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 plenty of wonderful initiatives, akin to a senior heart, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some further love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you possibly can come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast when you’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. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the following 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 sit down 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 possibly can take pleasure in some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a good higher take a look at the environment. Be sure you take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the vital 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 youths. 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 an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated 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
When you’ve got some further time in Seattle, think about doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an lively 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 supply, 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 possibly can 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 be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click here.
In case you’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing non-compulsory, take a look at this popular tour on a minibus.
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 possibly can merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant approach to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are an important alternative for Seattle sightseeing.
They’ve seven completely different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll take pleasure in a completely 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 when you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of 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 crops. It’s a first-rate instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a very fashionable time to go to the park due to the azaleas which can be in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry timber, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open 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 lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Test their website for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s effectively value it to pay the doorway price for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can even take pleasure in a standard 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. Be sure you add a cease right here to your checklist 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 wish to expertise the Seattle Art Museum, which really consists of three completely different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the most important 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 can even 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 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 youths 14 and beneath. In case 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 case you’re inquisitive about air and house, you’ll wish to embrace the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with 1000’s 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 continuously!).
A serious 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 Pressure One. You possibly can 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 continuously. Click here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s developing.
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 here to purchase your tickets on-line for top-of-the-line Seattle points of interest. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, you can even go to the Boeing Future of Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and top-of-the-line factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an important and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing unit 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 guide 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, they usually categorical 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 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 sport.
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 case you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a great time.
Throughout the summer season months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s a great probability they’ll be on the town when you’re visiting between Could and September.
Because the 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 truth: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have 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 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 wonderful 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 start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails when you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can 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 vital picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is effectively well worth the effort to achieve.
Deal with: 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 attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is likely one of the hottest Seattle points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on high after the 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just gained’t wish 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 true on the water and there’s a lot gorgeous nature close by, you should go away 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 important half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as effectively – making it an important journey from town. Click here to learn more and guide your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher approach 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 in the course of the journey. Click here for details.
FAQs About Visiting 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 mountain climbing and epic views, trying out the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to stay 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 efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That means, you possibly can 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 could possibly be spent trying out the principle points of interest (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and at last, your final full day could possibly be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals it is best to strive 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 strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
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 among the many attention-grabbing issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you can even reap the benefits of the various superb day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d slightly go visit a waterfall and taste some wine. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
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.
*Pictures on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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