Often known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is perhaps probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the US. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests countless 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 if you happen to’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 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 finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that can assist you plan an awesome 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 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 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 record 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 through the years, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the Area Needle
For sure, probably 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 commentary 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 akin to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Trying out 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 Area Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some critical renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on this planet. In addition 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 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 bundle you e book. This is likely one of the finest 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. Test Out the Seattle Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you possibly can simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high Seattle points of interest you’ll discover right here is the Worldwide Fountain. At completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an awesome present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be dwelling to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather 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 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 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. You should definitely test their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Deal with: 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 may be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut 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 consistently displaying brief 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 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 properly.
Lastly, if you happen to 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 part of a Meals Tour
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach throughout the town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll study all concerning 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 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 record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition 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 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 known 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 certainly my favourite. You should definitely add it to your record 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.
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 likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the way in which again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the US.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off probably the greatest Seattle points of interest. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as properly!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’ll wish to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but in addition a number of procuring luggage to take dwelling with me.
Along with the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive outlets. With so many choices, it may be a bit intimidating, however for 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 neighborhood with plenty of glorious initiatives, akin 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 if you happen to’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Road, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my record 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. You should definitely try the Waterfront Fountain as properly.
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 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 an enormous 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
In case you have some additional time in Seattle, take into account 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 mountaineering 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 mountaineering, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. In the course of the winter months, you possibly can commerce your mountaineering 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 high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
Should you’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering non-obligatory, try this fashionable 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 some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the price range finish, you 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 method to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are an awesome 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 totally 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 if you happen to select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly some of the lovely 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 main instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful 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. In addition they have a number of completely different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Test their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s properly price it to pay the doorway payment 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 standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s slightly 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 record 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 Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three completely different amenities: 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 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 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 straightforward to go to each. As soon as an industrial web site, 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 teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and below. Should 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
Should you’re fascinated 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 pictures.
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 regularly!).
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 Drive 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 regularly. Click on right 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 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 probably the greatest Seattle points of interest. You will discover 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 probably the greatest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an awesome and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing facility with an area information and see planes at varied phases of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the displays and shows. Click on right here to e book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing unit and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File 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 specific playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their dwelling video games at Lumen Area. The stadium can also 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. Should you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a superb time.
In the course of the summer time months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s a superb probability they’ll be on the town if you happen to’re visiting between Could and September.
Because the 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 reality: Manner again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it received 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 biggest park in Seattle and is dwelling 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 finest guess is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails if you happen to 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 unimaginable 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 positively some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is properly 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 record 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 had been constructed on high after the Nice Hearth of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting again to the Eighteen 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 just gained’t wish to miss. Click on right here to study extra concerning the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however because the location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should go away the 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 positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an awesome half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as properly – making it an awesome journey from the town. Click on right here to study extra and e book your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher method to get out on the water than on a 70foot sailboat?! On this unimaginable journey, you’ll have epic views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier. Click on right here to study extra and revel in Seattle the way in which the locals do.
- Take pleasure in 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 on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your regularly 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 mountaineering 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 Area Needle. This ticket consists of the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, you possibly can 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 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 you must strive in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, it’s a must to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle type!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is critical.
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 as well reap the benefits of the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you could find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d somewhat go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are countless!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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