Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest presents guests infinite 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 when you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in lots 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 house nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and plenty of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly among the many greatest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce among the high issues to do in Seattle together with a number of sensible information that will help you plan an incredible journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is positioned 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 wonderful how one can take pleasure in all of the facilities of a giant metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my listing 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 most effective Seattle points of interest.
1. See the Area Needle
For sure, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Truthful, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The statement deck is 520 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see the whole metropolis together with pure wonders equivalent to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the Area Needle has at all times been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some severe renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable 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 the 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 upon which package deal you ebook. 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.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Heart
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you can 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 Worldwide 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 Heart can 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 carry guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s rather more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Heart. 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 totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Make sure to verify their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Deal with: 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 could be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Positioned on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three totally 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 continually displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly need to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour in a while the weekend.
Tickets value $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 Area Needle as effectively.
Lastly, when you desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your means throughout the town on a meals tour. My private advice 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 in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire wonderful meals on supply.
One other stable choice that I’ve gone on a number of instances is the Pike Place Market Strolling Meals tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is among the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that needs to be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition is among the greatest 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 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, rather more.
I’ve been to a number of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Make sure 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 value 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.
Deal with: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the crucial well-known Seattle points of interest!
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 the USA.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off the most effective 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 need to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but additionally a number of purchasing 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 certain 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 glorious initiatives, equivalent to 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 barely 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 web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 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 sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 totally different platforms the place you possibly can take pleasure in some unbelievable views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can 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. Make sure to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience 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 value $16 for adults and $11 for teenagers. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.
Waterfront Park is a good spot to unwind after a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
You probably 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 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. In the course of the winter months, you possibly can commerce your mountain climbing boots for present footwear and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In the event you’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing elective, take a look at this common 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 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 funds 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 kids, 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 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 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 when you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By 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 main instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a very talked-about time to go to the park because of the azaleas which might 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 every day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of totally different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their web site for all the small print.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s effectively value it to pay the doorway price 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 as well take pleasure in a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s just a little 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. Make sure to add a cease right here to your listing 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 need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the principal museum, you’ll discover a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its in depth collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you may as well pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s positioned only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial web site, 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. In the event 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.
Deal with: 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 embody 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 ceaselessly!).
A significant 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 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 ceaselessly. Click on right here to view an inventory of present displays and see what’s developing.
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets value $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 the most effective Seattle points of interest. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you may as well go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and the most effective 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 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 on right here to ebook 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, and so they specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The crew 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 sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Subject. The stadium can 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 the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a great time.
In the course of the summer season months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s a great likelihood they’ll be on the town when you’re visiting between Might and September.
Because the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL crew, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American crew to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it bought began later that yr.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many glorious 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 guess 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 when you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can take pleasure in some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is positioned 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 effectively definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Deal with: 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 attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is among 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 Nice Fireplace of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Eighteen 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 among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just gained’t need to miss. Click on right 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 because the location is true on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should go away the town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a couple of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an incredible half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as effectively – making it an incredible journey from the town. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher approach 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 ceaselessly 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 stay 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 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 testing the principle points of interest (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so on.), 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’s best to strive in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you need 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 happening 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 as well make the most of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, yow will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d quite go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
After two months residing in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the most effective the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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