Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is perhaps essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides 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 in case you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, 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 residence nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few occasions, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with a number of sensible information that can assist you plan an excellent 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 number 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 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 residing within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many occasions through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the House Needle
Undoubtedly, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the House 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 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see your entire metropolis together with pure wonders similar to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of occasions I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the House Needle has all the time been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some severe renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the stylish 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 House Needle is open each 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 without doubt 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.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Examine Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of training, 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 prime Seattle points of interest you’ll discover right here is the Worldwide Fountain. At completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an excellent present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be residence to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and far more right here. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d carry 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 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 applications all year long. Concert events, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You’ll want to examine their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is without doubt 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.
Positioned 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 make sure you 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 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 House Needle as nicely.
Lastly, in case you want to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
One of the 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 best way, you’ll study all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling the entire superb meals on provide.
One other stable choice that I’ve gone on a number of occasions 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 without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that ought to be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Challenge), the Museum of Pop Tradition is without doubt one of the finest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture referred to as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals 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 reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, far more.
I’ve been to quite a lot of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You’ll want 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 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 well-known Seattle points of interest!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the best way again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By purchasing 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 nicely!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’ll need to ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of purchasing baggage to take residence with me.
Along with the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive outlets. With so many choices, it may be a bit intimidating, however for certain it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s far more than only a market, really. It’s a neighborhood with a number of wonderful initiatives, similar to a senior middle, 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’ll be able to come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in case you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Tackle: 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 listing of Seattle points of interest. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to sit down down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 completely different platforms the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in some implausible views.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a fair higher take a look at the environment. You’ll want to try the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey on the Seattle Nice Wheel. This big Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets price $16 for adults and $11 for teenagers. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.
Waterfront Park is a good 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.
Tackle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
When you have 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 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 provide, together with mountaineering, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Through the winter months, you’ll be able to 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 prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In the event you’d want a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering non-compulsory, try this common 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 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 price range finish, you’ll be able to merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for 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 excellent 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 in case you 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 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 just a few hours.
Spring is a very talked-about 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 each day from daybreak to nightfall and is without doubt one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition 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.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely value 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 can too take pleasure in a conventional 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’ll want to 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 really consists of three completely different amenities: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the important museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized for its in depth 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 primary museum, you can too 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 below. 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.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
In the event you’re keen on air and area, 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 pictures.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so this can be a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly often!).
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 Drive One. You possibly can even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing reveals to take a look at, which change often. Click on right here to view an inventory of present reveals and see what’s developing.
The Museum of Flight is open each 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 top-of-the-line Seattle points of interest. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, you can too go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and top-of-the-line factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an excellent and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing unit with an area 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 reveals and shows. Click on right here to e-book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing facility and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The workforce refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they principally act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at Lumen Area. The stadium can also be residence to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out residence video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. In the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a superb time.
Through the summer season months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s a superb probability they’ll be on the town in case you’re visiting between Might and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL workforce, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American workforce to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained began later that yr.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the most important park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of fantastic 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 begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails in case you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you’ll be able to 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 crucial picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is nicely well worth the effort to achieve.
Tackle: 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 without doubt one of the hottest Seattle points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that had been constructed on prime after the Nice Hearth of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Nineties. I can nonetheless bear in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t need to miss. Click on right here to study 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 correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should depart 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 excellent half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it an excellent journey from the town. Click on right here to study 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 study extra and revel in Seattle the best way 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 throughout the journey. Click on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your often 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 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 consists of 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 approach, you’ll be able to 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 primary 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 you need 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, it’s a must 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 outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is critical.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a number of 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 can too benefit from the various superb day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you 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 lots of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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