Often known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests limitless issues to see and do. That is considered one of 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 get pleasure from 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 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 certainly among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible information that can assist you plan a fantastic journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and has the Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascades to the east, making for some postcard-worthy surroundings round each nook.
Sadly, it’s true that it rains very often right here. Don’t let it rain in your parade, although — there are tons of nice museums and different indoor actions to maintain you busy when it will get a bit moist. There are many issues to do in Seattle when it rains.
Seattle can be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are 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 get pleasure from 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 checklist 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 high picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.
1. See the Area Needle
Surely, 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 remark deck is 520 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders akin to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time dwelling 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 current multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on the earth. 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 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 depend upon which bundle you guide. 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. Verify 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 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 completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for a fantastic present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can be house to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and far more right here. This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas exhibiting them round.
There’s far more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely different museums. Don’t miss the superb Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Middle. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s at all times free to go to.
Along with all of the completely different points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Live shows, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Make sure to examine 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 gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might 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 make sure to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously exhibiting 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 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 nicely.
Lastly, if you happen to choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your means throughout town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Alongside the best way, you’ll study all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling all the superb 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 likely one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that ought to be in your checklist.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Tradition is likely one of the finest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the gorgeous constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture 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 reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You may even channel your inside 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 a number of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Make sure to add it to your checklist of cool issues to do in Seattle.
MoPOP is open Monday-Friday from 10 AM-6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM-6 PM. Tickets value round $35 for adults and $21 for youngsters.
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 vital well-known Seattle points of interest!
The Pike Place Market is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By procuring 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 simply’ll need 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 baggage 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 far more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with plenty of wonderful 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 simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you possibly can come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast 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’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Avenue, 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 following spot on my checklist of Seattle points of interest. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to take a seat 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 possibly can get pleasure from 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 can assist you get an excellent higher have a look at the environment. Make sure to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
One of the vital 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 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 superb 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.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If 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 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. Through the winter months, you possibly can commerce your mountain climbing boots for present sneakers and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To study extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
For those who’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing optionally available, 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 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 youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant approach to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are a fantastic 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, 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 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 selection for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a dwelling assortment of vegetation. It’s a primary instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a number 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 bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open every 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 courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely price it to pay the doorway charge for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can too get pleasure from a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit 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 checklist of locations to go to in Seattle.
Deal with: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three completely different amenities: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the most important museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s 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 primary museum, you can too 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 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 kids and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. For those who 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
For those who’re curious about 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 hundreds 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 continuously!).
A serious spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a powerful assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Drive One. You may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change continuously. Click on right here to view an inventory of present reveals and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets value $25 for adults and $16 for youngsters. On the primary Thursday of each month, the museum stays open from 5-9 PM and it’s completely free to enter. Click 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 unit
For these airplane fanatics, you can too go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and top-of-the-line factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had a fantastic and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing facility 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 reveals and shows. Click on right here to guide 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 categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
Actually, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group 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 recreation.
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. For those who can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for time.
Through the summer time months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s likelihood they’ll be on the town if you happen to’re visiting between Might and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL group, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable reality: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American group to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it received began later that 12 months.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the most important park in Seattle and is house to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and far more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by 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 best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can 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 vital picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is nicely well worth the effort to succeed in.
Deal with: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my checklist of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is likely one of the hottest Seattle points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on high after the 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to study extra concerning the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Positive, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however for the reason that location is true on the water and there’s a lot gorgeous nature close by, you should go away town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a number of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it a fantastic half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as nicely – making it a fantastic journey from town. Click on right here to study extra and guide 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 study extra and luxuriate 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 continuously requested questions on visiting Seattle.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle! Whether or not you’re into nature, museums, meals, or sports activities, there’s one thing for you. The highest enjoyable actions are day-tripping to Mt. Rainer for some mountain climbing and epic views, trying out the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to 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 believe that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That means, 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 might be spent trying out the primary points of interest (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and at last, your final full day might 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 attempt 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, you need to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in 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 a number of the many fascinating issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you can too reap the benefits of the various superb day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, you will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d moderately 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 imagine I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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