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 provides guests limitless issues to see and do. That is one in every of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even for those who’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most 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 house 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 greatest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with a number of sensible information that can assist you plan an amazing 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 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 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 over time, I’ve narrowed down my prime 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 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 may see the whole 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 Area Needle has all the time been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some critical renovations.
A current 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 Area Needle is open every 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 e book. This is among the greatest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass. 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 schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you can simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime 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 amazing present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be house to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather more right here. This is among the greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s rather more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Middle. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s all the time free to go to.
Along with all of the completely different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely test 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 among the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work will be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however you’ll want to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s always displaying brief 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 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 Area Needle as effectively.
Lastly, for those who choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach 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 way in which, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire 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 among the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often known as the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Tradition is among the greatest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture 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 may even channel your internal rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space.
That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has displays on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, rather more.
I’ve been to a variety of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You should definitely 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 on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the crucial well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is among the greatest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the way in which again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off among the finest Seattle sights. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as effectively!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’ll need to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of procuring luggage to take house with me.
Along with the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive retailers. With so many choices, it may be a bit intimidating, however for positive it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s rather more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with a number of wonderful initiatives, resembling a senior heart, 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 simply 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 web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. Yow 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 brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my listing of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 completely different platforms the place you may get pleasure from some implausible views.
On a transparent day, you may 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. You should definitely take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a trip 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 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 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
In case you have some additional time in Seattle, contemplate 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 provide, together with mountain climbing, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountain climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you may 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 prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In case you’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing non-obligatory, take a look at this standard tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle appears to be like nice on land, it appears to be like even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is definitely one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the funds finish, you 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 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 amazing 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 for those who select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the crucial stunning Seattle sights to go to. It’s my go-to alternative for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a dwelling assortment of crops. It’s a 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 talked-about time to go to the park because of the azaleas which are 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 every day from daybreak to nightfall and is among 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 main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s effectively price 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 get pleasure from a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s somewhat 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. You should definitely 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 Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three completely different amenities: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the major museum, you’ll discover a formidable 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 may also 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 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 kids and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and underneath. In case you 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
In case you’re excited by 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 1000’s of artifacts and images.
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 steadily!).
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 may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing displays to take a look at, which change steadily. Click on right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s developing.
The Museum of Flight is open every 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 on right here to purchase your tickets on-line for among the finest Seattle sights. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you may also go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an amazing 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 numerous 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 on right here to e book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing unit 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.
In actual fact, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Document for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff 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 house video games at Lumen Subject. The stadium can also be house to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out house 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 time.
Throughout the summer season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s probability 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 staff, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it 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 house to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest wager is to 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 for those who really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you may 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 crucial picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is effectively definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my listing of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is among the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on prime after the Nice Fireplace of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting 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 reasonably priced at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t need to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Positive, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however because the location is true on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should go away town to discover a bit additional. Listed below are just a few of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an amazing half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as effectively – making it an amazing journey from town. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher option to get out on the water than on a 70foot sailboat?! On this unbelievable journey, you’ll have epic views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier. Click on right here to be taught extra and luxuriate in Seattle the way in which 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 on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your steadily 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 dwell 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 contains the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I feel that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, you may 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 could possibly be spent trying out the principle sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and eventually, 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’s best to strive in Seattle, lots of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you must 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 outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a few of the many attention-grabbing issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more 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 may also benefit from the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d reasonably go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the perfect the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
Like This Article? Pin It!
